2006-07-29 06:52:36 · 17 answers · asked by natstar36 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
1. Realize that dogs are not accessories
2. Do your homework on the breed. Toy breeds can have potty problems that they never get over, knee problems, and hip problems. Chi's have a tendency to be hypoglycemic as puppies, so you have to be prepared for that.
3. Chi's can be yippy, biters, and agressive dogs - not good if you have small children around or plan on having any. They are very protective and dislike change.
4. Teacup is not a designation recognized by the Chihuahua club of America. Anyone who tries to sell you a Teacup is a disreputable and irresponsible breeder. The same holds true to 'designer' mixes like 'Chugs'(Chihuahua pugs), 'Chi/Dachs', 'Chiggies'(Chi/Italian Greyhounds) Run from them.
5. Chi's come into rescue organizations regularly. Too many peolpe get them as accessories and then throw them away when they are done with them. Check out breed rescuers, local no-kill shelters, and the classified section of Petfinder to find a dog.
6. Have $1000 dollars accessable at any given time to deal with emergencies. Be ready to spend several hundred dollars upfront for shots, supplies, and getting him/her altered.
7. Buy only from a reputable breeder. DO NOT BUY from a pet shop, a newspaper ad, an internet ad, and internet site, a puppy mill, someone cross country (unless you can personally pick your dog up and visit the breeder), or a backyard or 'oops' breeder. I'll link to an info page on what makes a reputable breeder.
8. Be prepared to keep the dog for 15 years. Your housing will have to be stable enough to allow you to keep him for his entire life. No moving to a 'no pets' apartment in a couple years. No moving back home where dad will say 'get rid of the dog'. No getting larger agressive dogs that could hurt him.
9. Know that the dog should not be left home for more than 3-4 hours on a regular basis. Know that they are indoor dogs who need people around them.
I'll link to a whole bunch of helpful sites that can help you make the best decision possible! Good luck! : )
2006-07-29 07:08:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think chihuahuas are wonderful; i had 2 when i was a kid from the time they were 8 weeks old till they died 10 years later.
but now, i think it would be better for you to go to petfinder.com and adopt one. Petfinder seems to have lots of chihuahuas, so much that i wonder if people are buying chihuahuas without knowing anything about the breed.
Please do research on the breed before you adopt or buy. This is an indoor dog, but you should also have a WELL-fenced yard.
2006-08-02 12:52:00 · answer #2 · answered by nickipettis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't
Law Suit waiting to happen
Do research...are you a dominate person? Can you handle an "aggressive" dog. Do you have time to socialize this dog? I don't care for Chihuahua's much...there have only been two Chihuahua's in my 34 yrs that I have liked...one was a deer chihuahua that we owned, and the other was a friends Mexican (apple head) that was a rescue...I know two Chihuahua's now, that would bite if given the chance...if I ever get bit by them, Law Suit here I come...the owners thought it was cute when they would growl and snap at people and now they can't control them.
2006-07-29 14:00:27 · answer #3 · answered by Suzie Q 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, don't buy a puppy from a puppy mill or a pet store. They tend to have a far greater instance of disease and defect. Try checking local animal shelters first. Also check with some local vet offices. Sometimes people will let their vet know that their dog has had puppies and they are looking for good homes for them. You also might check to see if there is a rescue group for the breed that you are looking for. Far too many animals are abandoned or abused and need good homes.
2006-07-29 14:00:40 · answer #4 · answered by Tia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chihuahuas are really adorable, but if you have small children, do not get one. My uncle's dog got a lot meaner and jealous towards babies and toddlers as she aged. She would always growl and bark whenever little kids came near her and she was almost close to biting my two-year old cousin.
2006-07-29 14:08:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes be sure to have the Money to pay for the Chihuahua.
2006-07-30 20:37:21 · answer #6 · answered by adbrey2626 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your time in choosing a baby, make sure that your personalities match up. I got mine from a rescue, and we are a perfect fit.
DONT GO TO A PET STORE!!!
Get one from a breeder, the dogs are always healthier and have better temperaments.
Just remember lots of love!!
Good luck, I hope you find a new friend, who will bring you lots of joy like my Xena did.
2006-07-29 14:00:19 · answer #7 · answered by suequek 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont. theyre yippy and annoying. get a big dog u can snuggle w/. i have a golden and she was a horrible puppy, but shes the most loving dog ever. if u have to get a small dog, get a pug. theyre cute, but theyre not yippy.
2006-07-29 13:56:22 · answer #8 · answered by Erin P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good answer chinamom, thats what I was going to suggest get one from a shelter.
2006-07-29 14:01:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Noooooooooooooooo Get a real dog not a mop on a stick!!!!!
2006-07-29 14:01:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋